Classic Canes commenced its 30th harvest of walking sticks on 10th December, 2012. The family firm coppices ash, hazel, blackthorn and other native hardwoods at its woodlands near Hinton St George, Somerset to produce the raw material for walking sticks, which are then sold to retailers around the world.

Classic Canes was established in 1982 by Ben and Diana Porter and is now run by their daughter Charlotte Gillan, who explains: "We start the harvest each winter when the weather turns cold, and will continue until spring arrives. The coppice provides us with wood that will be dried and seasoned for at least a year before being made into thumbsticks, knobsticks and hiking staffs."

Common Ash is one of the most important woods used by Classic Canes, so the family firm is very concerned about the presence of Ash Dieback Disease in Britain. "We hope very much that the fungus will not affect our trees. They have shed their leaves and are entering their dormant phase, so we will coppice them as usual this winter. We will not know if we have a problem for some time, as they won't break dormancy again until late April or May, 2013. However, we are working on alternative plans in case they fall victim to the disease, or if we are obliged to clear fell all our ash trees as a preventative measure.

"We also have significant quantities of hazel, blackthorn, quickthorn and crabapple growing in our Somerset woodlands, which are all excellent woods for walking sticks. This winter, our forestry team will allocate increased time and effort to coppicing these and thereby increasing our productive stocks of these woods in case the worst happens to our ash trees. We will keep our customers informed of any developments.

For more information about Classic Canes' range of walking sticks, T: +44 (0)1460 75686 or visit www.classiccanes.co.uk

Posted: 12 December 2012

View more industry news >>